Parmelee was thrown right into the fire, as he started in right field and batted eighth against the Angels. Parmelee, 25, hit .231/.318/.370 with three homers and 13 doubles in 45 games in Rochester after being optioned at the All-Star break. He hit .223/.303/.372 with eight homers and 12 doubles in 83 games with the Twins before being optioned.

"While I was down there, my numbers weren't where I wanted them to be, but overall I felt good," Parmelee said. "I felt pretty good at the plate and hit some guys hard right at some guys. So I'm not trying to dwell too much on numbers."

Parmelee, who impressed as a September callup with a .355 average in 21 games in 2011, said he was hoping to replicate that success this month. He knows he has a lot to prove, especially now that Justin Morneau was traded to the Pirates on Aug. 31 to create an opening at first base.

"Obviously there's a spot open, and I'm gunning for it," Parmelee said. "But I don't want any unneeded pressure on myself. I'm just going to go out there and put some good swings on the ball and try to drive some runs in."